Continuous Box Closing Track for Stable Flap Tucking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging systems struggle to rapidly and effectively close boxes due to issues like buckling of flaps, improper folding, and the need for additional devices or manpower, leading to reduced productivity and reliability in high-speed packaging operations, especially in the pharmaceutical industry.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a drive track with an entrance portion, a curved portion, and a downstream portion for tucking in open flaps, along with transferring means and engaging means to facilitate continuous and stable closure of boxes, optionally with glue application and locking, adaptable to various box dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional box closing methods are used, then additional devices or manpower are required to close the box after product loading, but this increases device complexity and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the product loading function and box closing function into a single integrated device. The loading system and closing mechanism share common components including the conveyor belt, positioning mechanisms, and control system, eliminating the need for separate closing devices and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it loads products into the box, positions the flaps, applies adhesive, and completes the closing operation. This multi-functional approach allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices or manual operations.
2Reliability
If conventional flap folding methods are used, then the adjoining side panel may buckle inwardly causing improper flap positioning, but this results in imperfect closing and frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary actions to prevent buckling before the flap folding occurs. Adhesive is applied to the flap edges in advance, and positioning mechanisms are activated to maintain panel rigidity during the closing process, preventing inward buckling before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as adhesive application mechanisms and positioning guides that mediate between the flap and the box body. These intermediaries provide support and control during the folding process, preventing direct contact that would cause buckling and ensuring precise flap positioning.
3Productivity
If high-speed packaging is implemented, then productivity improves, but the ability to effectively close boxes becomes the limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The closing operation is designed to occur continuously as boxes move through the device on the conveyor belt. The mechanism maintains constant engagement with the box flaps throughout the closing process, eliminating interruptions and ensuring effective closing at high speeds without sacrificing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to the field of box closing devices, in particular, to a device for closing successively, boxes. The present invention in one aspect provides a device for closing an open box. The device comprises a drive track having an entrance portion for receiving and engaging an open flap of the box which merges through a gradually curved portion to a downstream portion. The downstream portion comprises means for completing the tucking in of the opened flap and for supporting a box moved therealong. The curved portion comprises means for initiating the tucking in of the opened flap by a transferring means for transferring the open box from the entrance through the downstream portion and then an engaging means for subsequently tucking any partially tucked pair of flaps.